High-Path Bird Flu wiped out millions of turkeys and egg-laying hens two years ago, while the less deadly low path flu in the southeastern U.S. this spring was largely contained.

**When asked how they feel about the U.S. ag economy, farmers feel the same in September as they did in August.

The Purdue/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer September reading of 132 was unchanged compared to August.

As reported in Successful Farming, the monthly measure, based on a monthly survey of 400 U.S. producers of corn, soy, wheat, cotton, beef, dairy, and hogs, has ranged between 130 and 139 over the last six months and remains well below its peak level of 153 established in January of this year.

** U.S. senators stressed trade and other business issues when questioning President Trump's nominee to be U.S. ambassador to India at his confirmation hearing, while expressing strong support for posting him to New Delhi.

Successful Farming reports Trump nominated Kenneth Juster as ambassador to India last month. The 64-year-old, an economic adviser in his administration, also served as under-secretary of Commerce under former President George W. Bush.